Crews Battle First Big Montana Fire of 2026 Near Red Lodge

Fire crews are battling a wildfire that broke out on Monday near Red Lodge, Montana. An update regarding the fire was released on Tuesday morning.

Living in Montana, you learn to deal with wildfire season, but this year is different. Conditions are drier than normal due to a lack of winter precipitation, and snowpack is melting much faster than normal.

Crews Battle First Major Montana Wildfire of 2026

According to the Custer Gallatin National Forest, the East Side Fire started on Monday, April 20, and has already grown to 1,600 acres, with 185 homes under evacuation orders. The fire is located along the East Side Road, south of Red Lodge, on the east side of Highway 212.

100 personnel, 2 fixed wings, and 4 helicopters are currently being used to contain the East Side Fire. The latest update indicates the fire has grown to 1,600 acres and is 0% contained.

On the night of Monday, April 20th, firefighters performed some strategic burn operations - backburns - to remove fuel between fire lines and the fire itself. This allows fire managers to control how the fire moves through this area and thus improve their ability to hold these fire lines.

Smoke from the fire has significantly impacted local air quality. Children, older adults, people with heart or lung conditions, and pregnant people are advised to limit time outdoors.

As crews continue to battle the blaze, updates are expected throughout the day. For now, the focus remains on protecting lives and property and limiting further spread as Montana’s wildfire season gets an early, intense start.